Telegram Icons and Symbols: Decoding the Meanings
Telegram, a messaging app known for its unique features and functionalities, offers a wide range of icons and symbols that many users may not fully understand. These icons and symbols play a significant role in enhancing the user experience and communication within the app. In this article, we will explore the meanings behind these icons and symbols, helping you navigate and utilize Telegram more effectively.
Telegram DMs and Group Icons Meaning
When messaging someone on Telegram, whether it's a one-on-one conversation or a group chat, you may come across various icons and symbols. Let's decode some of the most commonly encountered ones:
- Clock icon: This icon indicates that your message has been sent but not yet delivered. If you continuously see this icon next to your sent message, it may be due to internet connectivity issues.
-
Single green check icon: A single checkmark signifies that your message has been sent to the Telegram servers and the recipient/group has been notified of the message.
-
Double green check icon: Two green checkmarks indicate that the sent message has been read by the recipient (in a direct message) or read by at least one member of the group.
-
Eye icon with number: The eye icon represents the view counter, indicating the number of times the message, media file, etc., has been viewed. Please note that this feature is only available in group chats.
-
Red exclamation mark icon: This symbol signifies that the message failed to upload to the Telegram servers after multiple attempts and was not delivered. Tapping on the unsent message with the red exclamation mark allows you to resend it.
-
Paper clip icon: The paper clip icon, found in both direct messages and group chats, is used for attachments. Tapping on it opens options to take a photo, choose from the gallery, share location or contact, or send a file.
- Emoji icon: Tap on the emoji icon to access a window where you can select emojis, gifs, and stickers to enhance your messages.
-
Plus icon: This icon, located in the emoji window, allows you to add sets of stickers for future use. You can also search for specific stickers using the search bar.
-
Clock icon: In this section, you'll find all the recently used stickers and emojis, as well as trending items to discover new content.
-
Keyboard icon: Tapping on the keyboard icon allows you to switch back to typing text.
-
Cog icon: The cog icon provides access to settings related to emojis, stickers, and gifs.
-
Cross icon: Tapping on the cross icon reveals a pop-up prompt asking if you want to clear recently used stickers.
-
Up arrow: When entering the emoji section, it opens in a half-screen mode, similar to the keyboard. Tapping on the up arrow expands it to full-screen mode, and tapping the down arrow returns to the half-screen view.
Pro Tip: Interested in other Telegram tricks? Learn how to copy Telegram profile, group, channel, and message links here.
Chats Screen Icons
Apart from the icons mentioned above, there are several other icons you may encounter while using Telegram's chat screen:
-
Horn with a slash: This icon appears next to the name of a person whose chat you have muted, indicating that you will not receive notifications for their messages.
-
Number Next to Chat/Group: This icon represents the number of unread or new messages in a particular chat or group.
-
Square with pencil: Tapping on this icon allows you to add a new contact, create a new group, or even start a channel.
-
Pin icon: If you see a pin icon next to a chat, whether it's a direct message, group, or channel, it means you have pinned it to the top of your chat list. This feature ensures easy access to important conversations, regardless of the message volume from other sources.
Icons Inside Group/Channel
When joining a group or channel on Telegram, you may encounter additional icons with specific functions:
-
Pin with three bars icon: Tapping on this icon reveals all the posts or announcements made by the admin in the channel or group. Admins have the authority to remove or change pinned posts as needed.
-
Down arrow with number: This icon displays the number of unread messages in real-time. Tapping on the arrow allows you to jump directly to the most recent message, skipping the unread ones.
-
Microphone: Holding down this icon enables you to record voice messages or any audio content.
Telegram Icons and Symbols: Unveiling the Secrets
Telegram's extensive range of icons and symbols contributes to its success as a versatile messaging app. While WhatsApp may be more suitable for personal use, Telegram excels in managing brand/company followers or customers through its large groups and channels. By understanding the meanings behind these icons and symbols, you can enhance your Telegram experience and communicate more effectively.
Do you frequently download files from Telegram? Check out our guide on where to find downloaded files on mobile and PC here, and discover ways to increase the speed of downloads on the Telegram app here.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”